Whereas 54-hole chief Hideki Matsuyama seemingly made every part on the greens, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler couldn’t purchase a bucket.
That’s the reason Scheffler faces a seven-shot deficit going into the ultimate spherical of the FedEx St. Jude Championship. The reigning Masters champion misplaced 1.5 strokes on the greens, rating 61st among the many 70-player subject on Saturday. He even expressed a uncommon burst of frustration on the twelfth gap, slamming the face of his putter into his hand after one other missed birdie attempt.
Scheffler missed 4 birdie putts inside 12 ft. He made solely 53 ft of putts general—with nearly half of that approaching the par-3 eleventh, the place he poured in a 24-footer for birdie. However that was the one putt Scheffler remodeled 5 ft.
“I did hit a few lips, however I didn’t really feel like I used to be hitting it too good,” Scheffler assessed.
“There have been occasions the place I felt like I used to be getting away with some stuff, hitting some good pitches, making some good saves, however I felt like I hit numerous lips at this time. However yeah, it occurs.”
Nonetheless, he managed to submit a 1-under 69, a day that included 4 birdies and three bogies. But, if he needs to threaten Matsuyama on Sunday, he believes he has to present himself higher appears on the greens.
“Simply get the ball slightly bit nearer to the outlet and provides myself extra alternatives,” Scheffler added.
“Immediately I felt like, like I stated, I obtained away with some stuff, so hopefully, clear it up slightly bit and provides myself numerous extra alternatives at this time.”
Matsuyama holds a commanding five-shot lead over rookie Nick Dunlap, who sits in solo second at 12-under. Viktor Hovland, in the meantime, posted a 4-under 66 on Saturday to maneuver up the leaderboard to 11-under and into solo third.
Then there’s Scheffler, who has made massive comebacks earlier than. He trailed Xander Schauffele by 5 strokes at The Gamers Championship and fired an 8-under 64 to win by one. Then, Scheffler carded the most effective rounds of his profession in Paris, capturing a 9-under 62 to beat a four-shot deficit to win the gold medal.
However seven could possibly be an excessive amount of to beat. That stated, Scheffler stays optimistic about his possibilities since TPC Southwind has 11 holes with water in play.
“It’s a golf course the place there’s alternative and there’s numerous bother,” Scheffler stated.
“It’s going to be robust to shut it out on the again 9. There’s numerous water coming down the stretch. So attempt to get off to a very good begin, and Hideki is clearly taking part in some unbelievable golf, however do my finest to place slightly little bit of strain on him and see what occurs.”
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. Remember to take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
